Carl Filipiak [Guitar]
Greg Thompkins [Tenor Saxophone]
Paul Hannah [Alto Saxophone]
Frank Russo [Drums]
Matt Everhart [Bass]
Lafayette Gilchrist [Keyboards]
John Coltrane departed this mortal plane more than fifty years ago; today he remains among us, more alive than ever. His sound continues to grab the ears of an ever-widening circle of fans. His legend is stone solid: planted firmly in our culture as that of any 20th century musical giant. His saxophone sound—brooding, searching, dark—is still one of the most recognizable in modern jazz. His influence stretches over styles and genres, and transcends cultural boundaries.
Carl Grubbs was a jazz saxophonist with a distinguished career as a performer, composer, music educator and recording artist. Early in his career, he received extensive training from one of the music world’s greatest legends in jazz, John Coltrane. We celebrate his life and legacy this evening.